UVALDE — Gov. Greg Abbott has requested a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration for Bandera County and 27 other Texas counties following widespread flooding that began July 12, seeking federal assistance to support response and long-term recovery efforts.
Abbott announced the request Friday while visiting flood-ravaged Uvalde County, where he received updates on response operations, surveyed damage and met with state and local officials at the SSGT Willie de Leon Civic Center.
"The Uvalde Community was hit very hard, but its residents are strong and resilient," Abbott said. "I am requesting a major disaster declaration for 28 counties to provide federal relief and help in the rebuilding process of this region. More counties can be added as needed. I am incredibly thankful to all the first responders for their swift and effective response to save lives."
The governor's request, submitted to President Donald Trump, states the flooding has exceeded the capabilities of state and local governments and asks for federal assistance under the Stafford Act.
If approved, the declaration would make Bandera County and the other designated counties eligible for:
- Direct Federal Assistance.
- FEMA Public Assistance for emergency work and permanent repairs.
- Statewide activation of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.
- U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loans for homeowners, renters and businesses.
- Internal Revenue Service disaster-related tax relief.
Bandera County is among the 28 counties included in the initial request, along with neighboring Kerr, Kendall, Gillespie, Comal, Medina, Real, Edwards and Uvalde counties. Abbott said additional counties could be added as damage assessments continue.
As of Friday, Texas had deployed more than 2,700 personnel and 1,500 vehicles, aircraft and other resources to flood response efforts statewide. More than 270 people have been rescued since the response began, according to the governor's office.
Abbott also warned that additional heavy rainfall and flooding remain possible and urged Texans to stay weather aware, follow instructions from local officials and remember the slogan, "Turn Around, Don't Drown."
In his request to the White House, Abbott said the state has already committed substantial resources to the disaster response but that supplemental federal assistance is needed to protect lives, repair damaged infrastructure and help affected communities recover. The request estimates statewide response and recovery costs could approach $490 million, with debris removal alone projected to exceed $450 million.
State officials have identified approximately 4,778 structures in flood-impacted areas across the 28 counties, including homes, businesses, agricultural operations and public facilities, though damage assessments remain ongoing.
Federal assistance will not become available unless President Trump approves the disaster declaration. Texans can report flood damage and find recovery resources at Disaster.Texas.Gov.
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